Macaluso earns wrestling excellence award

Thursday

Mia Macaluso’s attention was piqued as women’s national wrestling team coach Terry Steiner brought up one of the sport’s icons.

Steiner spoke about four-time world champion Tricia Saunders during a Team USA camp in December 2019 at Arizona State University. He mentioned a coveted honor named after Saunders and its prestige.

The Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award is presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to one female high school senior wrestler from 46 participating states for their contributions on the mat, in the classroom and the community.

This week, Macaluso was revealed as New York’s honoree in one of proudest achievements of the three-time national team member’s decorated scholastic career.

“I worked really hard to get where I am now and getting recognition for it means a lot to me,” said Macaluso, a Minisink Valley student who will wrestle for Division II East Stroudsburg. “(Steiner) said a good athlete and student deserves this award. When I got it, I was happy and proud of myself that people think the same.”

Macaluso was introduced to Saunders at the Arizona State camp two years ago and has trained with the Hall of Famer a few times.

“She's just an amazing athlete,” Macaluso said of Saunders. “She’s an amazing person.”

Macaluso excelled in three sports at Minisink Valley. She advanced to the Section 9 wrestling semifinals at 126 pounds as a No. 10 seed and placed fourth. She scored more than 100 goals in her lacrosse career, and helped anchor the defense for Minisink’s sectional Class A girls soccer championship team.

Playing three sports throughout high school has prepared Macaluso well.

“I wouldn't be as conditioned for wrestling if I didn't have soccer and lacrosse,” Macaluso said. “I run so much in lacrosse. It's just good to have range of motion with other sports.”

Minisink wrestling coach Kevin Gallagher said Macaluso made every minute count for over five seasons. Macaluso wrestled behind some elite talent in the Warriors’ lineup, including 2020 state champion Zack Ryder. She posted a 12-2 regular-season record in Minisink Valley’s run to state dual-meet title this season.

“She's a hard worker,” Gallagher said. “I'm going to miss her. Five years, she's been in the room and never complained once. She wrestled hurt. She always had a smile on her face, except when she was getting after it. She was as tough and mean as anybody. She brought a lot to our team and she's going to do great at East Stroudsburg.”

sinterdonato@th-record.com

Twitter: @Varsity845

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